the goethe society wa 1949-1999

The Goethe Society WA: 1949-1999

2 The Goethe Society WA: 1949-1999

The Goethe Society WA: 1949-1999 There are Goethe Societies in many parts of the world. Their aim is the promotion and

enjoyment of all aspects of German culture. The Society takes its name from the greatest

German poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832).

During his life Goethe gained worldwide renown from his first novel The Sorrows

of the Young Werther. But it is with his play Faust and with his poems that Goethe’s

fame rests most enduringly. He put something of himself into the character of Faust

whom he depicts as a man forever restlessly striving after knowledge, action and

experience. Though he lived his life during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries,

Goethe can be described as a Renaissance man in the sense that his mind and activities

embraced many fields of human endeavor and he was in this sense a complete man. As a

man of letters – a lyric poet, dramatist and novelist – he reached a stature rivaled by few

others. But he was also well versed in philosophy and in science, where his mind

embraced the fields of geology, optics, botany and comparative anatomy.

Far from devoting himself exclusively to his art, he gave service as a minister of

state in the small principality of Weimar. He took an interest in music and practiced the

art of drawing to such effect that thousands of his drawings have survived, a testament to

his excellent draftsmanship.

The Foundation of the West Australian Goethe Society: 1949-1950 It was in 1949, the year of the two-hundredth birthday of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe,

that the Australian Society bearing his name was founded. The initiative was taken in

Melbourne by Dr Richard Samuel, who was soon to take the chair of German at the

University of Melbourne. He suggested that in each Australian city that could boast a

university, a branch of the Goethe Society be set up.

In Perth, Dr Hans Pollak, a man who had joined the academic staff of the

university nine years before as an assistant lecturer in German, took up the idea with

characteristic energy and enthusiasm. As Dr Pollak is rightly regarded as the founder of

the Western Australian Branch of the Australian Goethe Society, it is appropriate to

sketch here his remarkable and affectionately remembered personality.


Johannes Wolfgang Pollak was born in 1885 and graduated with a doctorate in

German philology from the University of Vienna in 1908. His fields of interest included

Gothic, Old Icelandic, Old Saxon and Old and Middle High German. For many years he

worked in the Phonetic Archives in Vienna. In 1926 he took a post as lecturer in German

in Norway at the University of Lund and when the term of his appointment ended in

1934, he returned to Vienna. He worked in Vienna until he was dismissed on account of

his Jewish origin, after the Nazis occupied Austria in 1938. Hans Pollak was now forced

to join the ranks of the Jewish refugees who fled Germany and Austria. Having married

an Australian girl, Marian (Mim) Weigall, in a second marriage eight years earlier, he

made his way to Melbourne. Dr Pollack was able to obtain a university post, but he was

not happy. So in 1940 he moved to Perth in 1940, where he remained until the end of a

long, varied and fruitful life. In 1970 the University of Western Australia (UWA)

conferred the honorary degree of DLitt on Hans Pollak in recognition of his eminence as

a scholar and his services to German Studies at UWA. He died on 25th April 1976.

The inaugural meeting of the West Australian Goethe Society took place on 12

April 1949, and was held in what was then the Arts Building at UWA. About seventy

people were present and they took a lively part in the discussion of the proposed

constitution. This eventually provided for membership to be open to anyone interested,

and for the Goethe Society to be a non-political, non-sectarian body whose aims were to

foster German culture. Feeling the need for a prominent member of the university

establishment to become the Chairman, Hans Pollak invited his friend Arthur Fox,

Professor of Philosophy to take up the position. Professor of English, Allan Edwards, was

elected Deputy Chairman, and Mr Maurice B. Benn, who would later become Head of

the German Department, was elected Treasurer. Hans Pollak himself undertook to fill the

position of Secretary because he felt it was the secretary on whom the main burden of

organization and correspondence would fall. These were and still are all honorary posts.

Professor Walter Murdoch, a former Professor of English, former Vice Chancellor of

UWA, and well-known and well-loved literary figure whose essays and reflections

gained him a wide audience, was elected patron of the newly formed Branch. When a

second university was established in Perth many years later, it was decided to name it

after him. There were two other members of this first Executive Committee: Mrs E.M.

Watson and Mr E.D. Drok, a teacher of German in Perth schools and of Dutch origin.


The organizational foundations of the WA Branch having been laid, Hans Pollak

then gave a survey of the manifold experiments of the young Goethe in the field of

drama, as an introduction to a spirited performance of Goethe’s “Künstlers Erdenwallen”

by students, in a metrical translation by Marian Pollak. There were three other meetings

between this, the foundation meeting of the Goethe Society in WA on 12 April 1949, and

the memorable bicentenary celebration of Goethe’s birthday. Something of the wide

Dr Hans Pollak

(Founder, Secretary and President: 1949-1956)

Professor Arthur Fox (President: 1949-1951)

interest and appeal of Goethe can be gauged by the programmes of these meetings:

during the second meeting, on 17 May, a discussion took place of Goethe’s novel, The

Sorrows of the Young Werther in the interpretation of which Dr Christine Morrow, a

member of the Department of French, took an active part; the third meeting, on 29 May,

was devoted to Schiller whose Wallenstein was first produced 150 years ago under

Goethe’s supervision; Mrs Jean Randall discussed the idea of the French writer Paul

Valery’s “mon Faust” in the fourth meeting, which took place on 27 July 1949; then

Maurice Benn gave an address on Thomas Mann and Goethe.

During this, the earliest part of the Branch’s history, while the university’s

Department of German was small, those of Goethe’s works, which were read or

discussed at meetings, were usually quoted in English translations. In this way a much

wider audience could be reached than would have been possible if the works had been

read in their original German. However, the scarcity of English translations available at

the time did hamper activities.

The fourth meeting on 27 July concluded with a social gathering which from then

on, set the pattern for meetings. After listening to a lecture or watching a German film,


members almost invariably meet over tea or coffee and biscuits. This gives them a chance

for further discussion among themselves and with the speaker in a pleasant and relaxed

atmosphere.

There was almost complete attendance of the members of the Branch at UWA’s

celebration of Goethe’s bi-centenary held in Winthrop Hall on 31 August. This function,

attended by about six hundred people, was highly impressive, and the success was

especially gratifying, since one member of the Branch (Professor F. Alexander) was

mainly responsible for its organization. The addresses were given by the Patron, Prof.

Murdoch, and the Hon. Secretary, Dr Pollak. Lorna McKean, accompanied by Marshall

Sumner, sang Goethe-Lieder in arrangements by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert,

Schumann and Hugo Wolf.

At the end of the first year, the Western Australian Branch of the Goethe Society

had 73 members. Over subsequent years, membership remained fairly constant.

Consolidation: 1951-1956 At the Annual Business meeting on 20 March 1951, Professor A.C. Fox, who two years

earlier had consented to nomination as Chairman, but only for the start of our Branch,

tendered his resignation. The meeting expressed its deep appreciation of the great service

he had rendered.

Highlights of the 1951 programme included: Mr S.A. Grave’s address on Kant at

the second meeting on 25 April 1951; Dr Hans Pollak’s speech “The Death and Salvation

of Goethe’s Faust” in the third meeting on 21 June; and the July performance by member

Mrs A. Freeden, accompanied on piano by Miss Pat Burns, of Goethe Lieder in

arrangements by Mozart, Beethoven, C.A. Gabler, Zelter, Schubert and Liszt. Also in

1951, a special study of Goethe’s relationship to his fiancée Lilli Schönemann was made

by comparing the account of “Dichtung und Wahrheit” of 1812, with the documentary

material available for the period of 1774-5.

In the following years, only sketchy documentation of the activities in the Goethe

Society remains. Monthly “Wilhelm Meister” readings are remembered as well as a

record playing evening of “Minna von Barnheim”. Active members from those years

included Mr and Mrs Zeck, Mr and Mrs Walkemeyer (nee Zeck), Dr Gerald Moss, Mr

Robert Bunning, and Rev. Martin Graebner.


A “New Start”: 1956 After Dr Hans Pollak’s retirement in 1956, Mr Maurice B Benn became Head of the

German Department and took over the leadership of the Society. Mr Benn was born in

1914 in Glasgow and came to Australia in 1928. He studied at UWA and won a Hackett

Studentship in 1939 to go to London, but had to turn back en route because of the

declaration of war in September of that year. It was not until 1946 that he was able to

take up his studies again in London (MA in 1959, PhD in 1960) and Zürich, before being

appointed lecturer in the German Department of the UWA in 1952.

Dr Maurice Benn

(President: 1956-1962) Dr Joachim Wolff

(Secretary, Librarian, Editor (Newsletter): 1957-

1983)

Professor Gerhard Schulz (President: 1966-1968)

According to Dr Wolff’s recollection, Mr Benn called a meeting of students to

“start the Goethe Society again”. No minutes or other documents of this period exist, but

presumably Mr Benn wanted to involve the younger generation more in the affairs of the

Society. Mr E. Visser was representative of first-year students and Sylvia Murray

represented the higher year students.

At a meeting at Mr Benn’s home, a programme for 1956 was prepared, which

included poetry readings, the staging of a German play, and – as the first venture and

highlight – a screening of the film Der Hauptmann von Köpenick to take place in the

Capitol Theatre. While Maurice Benn was Chairman of the Goethe Society, a regular

newsletter was introduced and edited by a new staff member of the German Department,

Dr Joachim Wolff (1957), who subsequently became Secretary.


When Gerhard Schulz became foundation professor German in 1965 – he came to

Australia from Eastern Germany in 1959 – and took up the position of President of the

Goethe Society, he brought with him great enthusiasm and organizational talent. He was

aided in his enterprises by the German economic upturn, which allowed the German

Government to generously promote cultural events abroad. Between 1966 and 1973 one

of the leading writers in post-war Germany, Siegfried Lenz, visited Perth and addressed

the Goethe Society. Two of the most eminent German writers and critics also lectured our

Society, Hans Mayer (Hannover) in 1966 and Dr Marcel Reich-Ranicki in 1972. Reich-

Ranicki had survived deportation from Berlin to the Warsaw Ghetto, living underground

until the end of World War Two. In post-war communist Poland, he was forbidden to

publish from 1953 onwards and moved to West Germany in 1958.

Other highlights included: addresses by two distinguished German teachers,

Professor J Klein (Marburg) and Professor U Fullerton (Erlangen) in 1967 and 1970

respectively; the 1967 talk by composer and conductor H.H. Schönzeler on Bruckner,

which was followed up four years later by a speech by conductor Georg Tintner on

Wagner and Neitzsche; an exhibition of German Romanticism at the Art Gallery in June

1968; two guest performances by the German Theatre Company “Die Brücke” staged at

Scotch College in 1972; and a reading by German playwright and author Tankred Dorst

from his own works in 1973. Such guests enriched the regular programme and it must be

remembered that warm hospitality was lavished on all of them, from the intimate dinner

party to outings into the hills or to Yanchep with a typical Australian barbecue. Whether

the host was the president or a committee member, all joined in and gave their time and

money. No “tax benefits” or “expenses paid” here!

In addition to the lectures and speeches, films were made available by the German

Embassy in Canberra from 1967 onwards for viewing by the Society and books were

donated by the German Consulate in Melbourne, which made it possible to start a library

in 1970. It was housed in Dr J. Wolff’s room at the University and constantly expanded

by donations or bequests. These books were made available for loan to members.

The first meeting of the Conversation Group took place in 1967. As a matter of

interest, membership in 1968 cost $2.00 for a full membership and 35 cents for students

and spouses of full members. The Christmas dinner at University House in 1970 cost

participants $3.50, including wine and cold drinks!


Professor Gerhard Schulz left Perth at the end of 1968 to take up the prestigious Chair in

German at Melbourne University. His energy, jovial and practical personality and his

excellence as a lecturer made him a popular and successful president. This was shown

when he returned ten years late as a guest speaker: the turnout at the lecture topped one

hundred.

As by this time it had become customary that the role of Chairman of the Goethe

Society was taken on by the Head of the Department of German, Dr Ian McGill became

its interim chairman (1969-1970), until a new Professor could be found. Dr McGill

continued running the Society smoothly, involving staff of the German Department as

office bearers and hosting the monthly meetings. Below is an outline of the Goethe

Society’s end-of-year celebration for 1969:

Goethe Society of Australia WA Branch

Abschlussfeier 20.11.1969 Programme

1. Johann Friedrich Fasch’s Sonata for violin, flute, clarinet and piano performed by Dr and Mrs Hähnel and Dr and Mrs Hewgill.

2. Songs composed by Dr R.T. Werther and sung by Mrs Betty Hatfield Carter: Sommerabend (Dehmel) Kindergebet (Hofmannsthal) Lockung (Eichendorff) Ekstasse (Bierbaum)

3. Lieder: sung by Mrs Carey and accompanied by Father Harte Das Veilchen (Mozart) Lied der Saffi (Strauss) Christel von der Post (Zeller)

4. Readings by Dr H. Briner and Mr B. Donaldson 5. Volker Mattar singt

Arrival of Prof Lindsay: 1970 Professor Martin Lindsay came from Scotland (Aberdeen) to Perth in 1970 as the new

Professor of German at UWA. His main interest had been Thomas Mann and Gottfried

Keller. He served as President of the Goethe Society from 1971-1974.

Under Professor Martin Lindsay’s leadership the Society tried to encourage children to

learn German at school by introducing prizes, in the form of money and books for the

winners of annual essay competitions. In addition, the Society wanted to introduce into


Western Australia a scheme to send High School students of German to Germany (a

scheme already existed in the Eastern States of Australia), to further understanding

between the Federal Republic of Germany and Australia. In 1974 the Modern Language

Teachers’ Association Incorporation became official and for 1974/75, the first 4

Australian-German Student Exchange Scholarships were awarded in Perth.

Professor Martin Lindsay (President: 1971-1974)

Professor Lindsay gave regular and interesting lectures for the Society, for

example his address on “Fontane and the Anglo-Saxons”. He secured a string of eminent

guest speakers from overseas including: Professor F. Ryder (University of Virginia);

German author Horst Bienek; Professor W. Hinck (Cologne); and, under the auspices of

the Festival of Perth, expert on modern German painting Dr J.W. von Moltke. In

addition, the Goethe Institute sponsored Professor H. Eichner’s (University of Toronto,

Canada) talk on “The Ungoverned Unicorn, Reflections of Nietzsche’s Philosophy in

Literature”, Professor D.H. Green’s (Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge) address on

“The irony of love in medieval literature”, Professor D. Erdmann’s (Kiel, Germany)

lecture entitled “Educational Reform in Germany”, and Professor R. Grimm’s (University

of Wisconsin) talk on the “Innere Emigration”. The office bearers of the Goethe Society

gave their time and talent too, Dr Pollak chose “Ibsen’s Rosmersholm” for a lecture, Dr J.

Wolff tackled “Willy Brandt’s Germany” and B. Willis spoke on “Mommsen”. Professor

Lindsay willingly lent his room, gave time and money, but over the years found himself

increasingly torn between his scholarly interests and the time consuming, practical

organization of not only running a department but also the Goethe Society.


When at the end of 1974, Prof Lindsay declared that he was not seeking re-

election as President of the Goethe Society, four other office bearers (all members of the

German Department) did the same. At the Annual General Meeting in November 1974,

the attendance was so low, that a quorum to elect new office bearers could not be reached

and a crisis seemed to loom. But enough interested, long time members, who had

weathered previous difficulties, rallied and convened a meeting at University House on

13 March 1975.

The young Society faced its first survival challenge since Dr Hans Pollack’s

retirement, when he wrote his “Denkschrift”. Unfortunately no copy of this survived, it is

only remembered by our longstanding member, Mr K. Sotzik. At this special meeting,

Mrs Lotti Briner invited both Dr Wolff and Professor Roland Hähnel to make themselves

available to be chairman. After some deliberation and ensuing election, Professor Hähnel

became President and Dr Wolff, Secretary, a demanding post he had held very

successfully many times before and which he filled again in the hour of need, giving his

full support to the newly elected President and committee. Professor Lindsay was elected

Patron of the Society.

Professor Hähnel: 1975

Professor Roland Hähnel had come to Australia in 1961 to the University Department of

Obstetrics and Gynaecology as a Clinical Biochemist and Research Fellow of the Queen

Elizabeth 11 Coronation Gift Fund Trust. Like Prof Gerhard Schulz, before him, Prof

Hähnel fled communist East Germany (his homeland) to start a new life in Australia.

Although he made his living in the field of medical science, his hobbies had always been

music and literature.

His first task as the new President of the Society was to start an advertising drive

to recruit new members. Mr Seiler designed a poster depicting Goethe, to be exhibited at

all migrant clubs and on notice boards in the university and public libraries. Closer links

with the German Rhein-Donau Club were established. As the original constitution of the

Society was missing, a new constitution was drafted and adopted. From then on the new

Committee decided to try to hold as many meetings as possible in the German language.

For a long time the German community had been frustrated by the inadequate

teaching of foreign languages in public schools. Previous committees did not want to get


involved in language teaching, although there was a real desire by migrant parents and

language teachers alike for good and reliable German classes. So the Goethe Society

under Professor Hähnel decided, in September 1975, to introduce German classes for

children. These proved to be very successful and popular, increasing in size almost

Professor Roland Hähnel (President: 1975-2001)

yearly. The fee for one lesson was $1.00 per child and the native German-speaking

teachers received $7.00 per one-hour lesson. These classes were given at a number of

different locations, mainly primary schools, to cover as many suburbs as possible.

The Committee members were given special duties and made responsible for particular

tasks. Mr and Mrs E Schenk became editors of the Goethe Society News and as a result,

it changed its format dramatically and grew to a substantial volume, consisting of many

delightful and interesting articles. Erwin Schenk subsequently became the Society’s

Treasurer, a post that he held for many years, looking after ever increasing sums of

money, due to the expanding German classes (which he taught for some time as well). He

also was very active in the conversation group, even organizing hiking expeditions with

keen members. Erwin, in fact, did every job that needed doing, even acting as

projectionist for countless film evenings. Mrs Schenk later took the ever-growing library

under her wings, sorting, marking and cataloguing countless books. What would the

Society have been without them and their Austrian charms? It was not until 1992 that the

“Schenk-era” ended when they retired from the committee.

Special viewings of two exhibitions were arranged for the Society in 1975, Dr

McGill introduced “Franz Kafka”, his pictures and manuscripts, and Dr Rodgers

explained a “Bauhaus Exhibition” in the Art Gallery. At this time, too, membership cards


were introduced and the committee upgraded the lecture fee to $20.00 as an incentive for

guest speakers.

Erwin Schenk (Treasurer & Vice President:

1976-1991)

Celia Schenk (Editor (Newsletter): 1976-1991, Librarian: 1977-1988)

The Society’s Christmas party continued to be a “family affair” with members

performing and bringing traditional German food. It was celebrated in St Catherine

College and later St Columba College: Weihnachtsfeier, 1975: Programm

1. Weihnachtslieder, gespielt von Herrn Veth und Herrn Seiler (Flöte), Frau Hähnel (Geige) und Herrn Hähnel (Klavier)

Macht hoch die Tür Es ist ein Ros entsprungen Der Christbaum is der schönste Baum

2. J.S. Bach: Satz (Largo) aus der Triosonate G-Dur, gespielt von Frau Hähnel (Geige), Herrn Veth (Flote), und Herrn Hähnel (Klavier)

3. W. Hausmann’s Die Entdeckung des Weihnachtssternes, gelesen von Frau Berchem 4. Weihnachtslieder, gesungen von Frau Carey

Auf dem Berge da wehet der Wind Fröhliche Weihnacht überall Schlaf wohl du Himmelsknabe du

5. O. Nicolai: Recitative und Arie aus “Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor” gesungen von Frau Carey

6. T. Storm’s “Knecht Ruprecht”, gelesen von Frau Berchem 7. Weihnachtslieder, gespielt und gesungen von Miss Becket, Dr Murray-Jones und Mr

Gregson O du fröhliche O Tannenbaum Stille Nacht


Throughout these years, Dr K.P. Rodgers, Dr Wolff, Professor Lindsay and Professor

Hähnel regularly gave interesting and much enjoyed talks to the Goethe Society on

varying subjects, such as Art, Rilke, Goethe, Thomas Mann, Liselotte of the Pfalz or Carl

Orff’s Opera The Moon. In addition, speakers were invited to address the Society, those

invited in 1976 were Professor H. Ruthrof (Murdoch University) who spoke on Gottfried

Benn and “Das Spiel mit der Sprache”; Professor L. Marchant (UWA) spoke on

“Germany and China”; Rabbi Uri Themal who gave a lecture called “After the Holocaust,

Jews in Germany after 45”; Professor Hutchings (UWA) who talked about “Kant”; Dr

Salec Minc who gave a talk entitled “Anxiety Illustrated”; and Mrs Sally O’Brien whose

address had the title “Carl Maria v. Weber”.

In 1979 the German Bishop of Broome, the most Rev. J. Jobst, gave a talk to the

Society at the Rhein-Donau Club entitled “On the Field of Aboriginal Ethnology and

Philosophy of Religion”.

German violinist, Igor Ozim came in August 1980 in conjunction with the music

department of the University of W.A., where he conducted master classes. The Goethe

Society helped entertain this distinguished visitor.

In February 1982, the Gallery Düsseldorf showed paintings by the modern painter

Ehrenreich Hundertwasser and all members were invited to the opening.

The German/American poet, Professor Richard Exner from the University of

Santa Barbara, California, read his own works to an appreciative audience in July 1983.

In 1976, the founder of the Goethe Society in W.A. Branch, Dr Hans Pollak died and Prof

M Lindsay held the following talk in his memory: “Meine Damen und Herren.

Ich fühle mich geehrt, dass Sie mich eingeladen haben, an Ihrem Gedenkabend für Hans Pollak eine bescheidene Rolle zu spielen. Ich bin überzeugt, dass ich unseren verstorbenen Freund weniger gut gekannt habe als mancher, der vor mir sitzt und schweigt; auf der anderen Seite kann ich wenigstens sagen, dass Hans einen sehr lebhaften Eindruck auf mich gemacht hat. Ich mochte Ihnen zuerst ein klein wenig von ihm erzählen. Das werden sozusagen persönliche Erinnerungern sein. Ich werde dann nachher in aller Kürze von seinem Leben hier in Perth sprechen, auch von dem langeren Teil seines Lebens in unserer Stadt, der vor meiner Ankunft in Perth stattgefunden hat.

Es war gegen Ende meiner ersten Woche in Perth, Oktober 1969, und ich sass da oben in meinem Zimmer im German Department und dachte uber dies und das. Es war in der Zwischenzeit nach dem Ende des Lehrprogramms und vor dem Anfang der Prüfungen, eine sehr schöne Zeit for Professoren und eine sehr sorgenvolle Zeit für Studenten. Da


hat es an meiner Tür geklopft und ein sehr alter Herr ist eingetreten. Er hat sich dann als Hans Pollak, der älteste meiner Vorgänger, vorgestellt. Er war mittlegross, mager, hatte spitze Gesichtzüge, sehr lebendige, geistvolle Augen und machte immer rege Gebärden mit den Händen. Er erzählte mir, er sei vor beinahe 30 Jahren nach Perth gekommen und zwar von Melbourne, wo es ihm gar nicht gut gefallen habe. Hier habe er es aber auf einen grünen Zweig gebracht und sei im grossen und ganzen ziemlich zufrieden gewesen. Das sei vielleicht, wie er meinte, aus dem Grunde gewesen, dass Westaustralien weniger weit entfernt von den zivilisierteren Weltteilen ist als Victoria oder New South Wales. Dann hat er mich zum Mittagessen eingeladen, wo ich seine Gattin, eine sehr nette, sehr gebildete, wenn nicht mehr ganz junge Dame, kennengelernt habe. Es war ein sehr gutes Essen, die Konversation war sehr heiter und wohltuend allgemein, wir waren alle für eine Stunde sehr glücklich, und ich hatte das starke Gefühl, in meinem Vorgänger im Beruf einen bedeutenden Menschen kennengelernt zu haben, voller Wohlwollen und von nicht geringer Gelehrsamkeit.

Dieser erste Eindruck hat sich dann mit der Zeit verstärkt, und es sind dann verschiedene wichtige Ereignisse im Leben Hans Pollaks eingetreten. Im Jahr 1970, zum Beispiel, hat ihn unsere Universität von Westaustralien zum Ehrendoktor (D.Litt) gemacht. Ich war zugegen bei der Zeremonie im Winthrop-Saal. Der neue Ehredoktor hatte in den vorhergehenden Monaten zum zweitenmal am Schlagfluss gelitten, sodass seine Freunde für ihn etwas in Sorge waren. Er hat sich dann aber gut erholt, und ich glaube, die Ehre hat ihm wohlgetan. Er fing wieder an gelehrte Atikel zu veröffentlichen, und zwar über ganz schwierige und fast niemand zugängliche Gebiete der Sprachwissenschaft wie gotish und alt-sächsisch. Da hat er zum Beispiel gelehrte Artikel über Bedeutung and Funktion der altgermanischen Vorsilbe GA geschrieben, sogar über gotische Verben mit doppeltem GA (also GAGA) und über die dunklen Geheimnisse der syntaktischen Konstruktionen in den älteren Formen der deutschen Sprache. Er war ein sehr gelehrter Spezialist auf philologischem Gebiet, der auch für die Belehrung und Herausbildung bescheidener Existenzen auf philologischem Gebiet sehr viel tat. Ich möchte aber nicht den Eindruck geben, dass Hans all seine Zeit im Studierzimmer verbrachte. Er liebte die freie Natur und war immer bereit, stundenlang im australischen Busch zu wandern. Auch hier besass er ganz bedeutende Kentnisse über Pflanzen, Tiere und sogar Geologie. Ich erinnere mich auch mit sehr viel Vergnügen an einen Anlass im Jahre 1971, wo er eine grosse Gruppe von Freunden zu einer glänzenden Gesellschaft im Palace Hotel einlud, um die 46te Jahresfeier seiner Hochzeit mit Mim zu begehen. Da ging es hoch her, man trank ziemlich viel Champagner und wurde sehr heiter, das war zum grössten Teil einer Gesellschaft, die aus älteren Menschen bestand, aber alle wurden vom Anlass sozusagen verjüngt, und das sah aus, als ob man in der Zeit etwa 45 Jahre zurückversetzt wurde, so in die Mitte der lustigen zwanziger Jahre unseres Jahrhunderts. Das schöne alte Speisezimmer des Palace Hotels, mit den vielen Spiegeln, auch mit vergoldeten Rahmen, den zierlichen alten Stühlen und den sehr aufmerksamen, europäisch anmutenden Kellnern – das alles trug zum angenehmen Allegemeineindruck bei. Am Ende des Abends, nachdem wir alle Hans und Mim sehr viele Male hatten hoch leben lassen, führen wir alle wie auf Adlerschwingen sehr getrost nach Hause. Sie sehen also, dass Hans Pollak auch für schöne Genüsse einen sehr entschiedenen Geschmack besass.

Ich möchte auch in aller Kürze von der ersten Seiten seines Lebens sprechen. Hans Pollak war zweimal verheirated, und von der ersten Ehe hatte er sogar einen Sohn, der aber ziemlich problematisch war und es als schwierig empfand ins Leben hineinzupassen. Dieser Sohn hat die letzten Jahre seines Lebens als Fabrikarbeiter in England verbracht und ist vor vielen Jahren gestorben. Nun hat er aber vor drei oder vier Jahren sich herausgestellt, dass dieser Sohn Pollaks geheirated hatte und dass von dieser Ehe eine Tochter geboren wurde. In den letzen zwei Jahren von Hansens Leben hat diese Enkelin


Kontakt mit dem Grossvater gemacht und hat ihm regelmässig geschrieben. Davon hat er mir einmal erzählt; es war offenbar eine grosse Freude für unseren alten Freund, von dieser jungen Verwandten zu hören, umso mehr weil er lange Zeit gar nichts von ihrer Existenz gewusst hatte. Es war ihm auch ein besonderer Anlass zur Freude, dass die Tochter des problematischen Sohnes als studierte “social worker” ein sehr tüchtiges Leben in England führt.

Die Hauptstadien in Hansens leben sind vielleicht nicht allen hier bekannt, und einige von Ihnen haben vielleicht dies oder das vergessen. Hier sind die wichtigsten Tatsachen aus seinem Leben. Er wurde 1885 geboren und hat in Wien studiert, wo er 1908 als Dr. Phil promovierte auf dem Gebiete der germanischen Philologie, mit isländisch, altsächsisch, gotisch, althochdeutsch, mittelhochdeutsch und guten Kentnissen in der Altphilologie. Lange Zeit hat er im Wiener Phonogramm-Archiv gearbeitet, schon zur Zeit des Franz Joseph. In Jahre 1926 hat er zwei wichtige Entschlüsse gefasst, erstens, Fräulein Weigall, die als Mim den meisten von Ihnen bekannt ist, zu heiraten und sehr bald danach nach Schweden auszuwandern. Er hat 8 Jahre auf der Universität als deutscher Lektor in Lund gearbeitet. Während der Zeit in Skandinavien hat er seine schon bedeutenden Sprachkenntnisse erweitert. In 1934 war seine Zeit in Lund um, und er kehrte nach österreich zurück. Nach dem Jahre des Anschlusses 1938 verlor er seine Stellung in Wien wegen seines jüdischen Geblütes und bald danach wanderte er nach Melbourne aus. Dort war er aber unzufrieden und fing an, sich um Stellen sonstwo in Australien zu bewerben. In 1940 hat er ein Assistant Lectureship in Perth bekommen. Von Anfang an hat sich seine Zeit in Perth günstig gestaltet. Der damalige Vizekenzler der Universität, Herr Currie, hat ihn bei der Ankunft von Melbourne sogar abgeholt von der Eisenbahn. Er wurde auch immer oder beinahe immer von den akademischen Kollegen anständig behandelt. Es war hoch interessant für mich die alten Briefe aus den 40er Jahren zu lessen und zu sehen, wie sehr anders diese Universität damals war – klein, intim, freundlich, eine Hochschule winzigen Formates, wo jeder jeden kannte, und in der im allgemeinen der gute Wille noch herrschte. Es ist inzwischen nicht beser geworden. Aus den alten Briefen kommt es immer wieder zum Vorschein, wie Geldmangel Hans und Mim sehr oft bedrückte, wie sie sich manchmal verletzt fühlten, weil das angelsächsiche Establishment sie weitgehend ignorierte, wie unangenehm sie es empfanden, als die hiesige polizei die deutschen und österreichischen Flüchtlinge in Australian zu belästigen anfing. Es war das Leben der Flüchtlinge, das sie damals führten, und Hans Pollaks Existenz war eine Flüchtlingsexistenz. Er hatte es besser als die meisten sogar, aber es war sehr oft hart für ihn in der neuen Heimat. Nun, sie wissen ja, wie sich sein Leben später gestaltet hat, wie unendlich viel Hans Pollak im Alter von 55 bis 80 für die Germanistik in dieser Universität getan hat. Er blieb auch geistig jung und rege, auch viel jüngere Menschen haben seine Frische und seinen guten Willen geschätzt, sodass das kleine Department wuchs und sogar in der weiten Welt bekannt wurde. Es ist unmöglich, von allen seinen Leistungen und akademischen Auszeichnungen zu sprechen. Man kann aber sagen, dass Pollak ein gutes, interessantes und sehr mannigfaltiges Leben geführt hat, dass sehr viele Freunde und gute Bekannte sein Hinscheiden bedauern und dass wir alle und viele andere auch ihn in sehr gutter Erinnerung behalten werden.”

By 1980 the W.A. Branch of the Goethe Society had become “the most active in

Australia”, according to visiting former President, Professor Schulz. Membership

numbers had risen to 93. The Society, because of its success with its children’s classes


(one hundred children in five locations), became more and more involved with teaching

German and introduced adult classes in 1980. Experienced teachers whose mother tongue

was German were employed.

The President, Prof Roland Hähnel, was able to get a “Lehrauftrag” (Teaching

Contract) from the Goethe Institute in München, Germany. This enabled the Goethe

Society to conduct exams for different levels of

knowledge in the German language in conjunction

with the Goethe Institute, and give out certificates

that were recognized worldwide. The first

“Zertifikatsexamen” was conducted in 1981 and

the 5 candidates were: Dr Ron Bowyer, Dr Alan

Fortune, Mrs Patricia Gurry, Miss Dana Trica and

Mr Neil Porteous.

In March 1981, with 115 pupils in all, the

Society stood comparatively with the Alliance

Francaise and the German Department at the

University of W.A. It was the only organization in

W.A. offering extra-curricular German classes for


primary school children and also the only one preparing candidates for the Certificate

“Deutsch als Fremdsprache”. This appealed particularly to adults interested in modern

colloquial German. The children’s courses, too, were aimed at oral fluency.

Financial support was sought from the Commonwealth Department of

Immigration and a grant for ethnic children’s classes was received for the first time from

the Commonwealth Schools Commission in 1982. It amounted to $30 per child. In

addition to this, the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany gave grants of

varying amounts to the Goethe Society, starting in 1972 (AS $100). Originally

classrooms for German teaching were available free of charge.

Grants received in $AUS

1988 1992 1993 1997 German Consulate 3,578 4,230 3,240 7,956 Commonwealth 4,305 4,230 State of WA 4,284

8,375 3,300

10,814

Total 12,167 12,605 10,775 18,770

Books, teaching aids, salaries and small class sizes were expensive. The

University was the first to start charging fees for the use of its lecture rooms. Over the

years one school after another followed the same trend. The primary school in City

Beach, for instance charges for a room every Saturday now, in 1999, $350 per year. In

addition, a 3% superannuation levy has to be paid for the teachers on top of their salary,

amounting to $450 every month.

The teaching of German is now the major activity of the Goethe Society and big

sums of money have to be managed. As a result the responsible position of Honorary

Treasurer has become more and more demanding. In 1997 for instance the budget was

almost $85,000.

The Goethe Institute in Melbourne rarely showed an interest in the Goethe

Society of WA, although it was frequently approached by various committees. The lack

of interest went so far, that its representatives often did not even reply to letters or return

phone calls.

Recalling the crisis in 1974, when the Goethe Society lost practically its whole

committee at once, the Society experienced difficulties in a different way in 1982 during

the absence of its President, Professor Hähnel, who was overseas for twelve months on


sabbatical leave at the Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg, Germany. The rapid

expansion of the German classes led to over enthusiasm by the language coordinator.

Subsequent purchases and renting of rooms brought her inexperience in business dealings

to light and into serious conflict with the Honorary Treasurer of the Society.

At the Annual General Meeting on the 12 December 1982, the Vice President,

Mrs Susanne Stobel, dissolved the entire committee, because she felt that the Meeting

had lost confidence in the Committee. Although members were not sure whether this was

possible under the constitution, it was decided to defer the Annual General Meeting and

elect an Interim committee of Management under the leadership of Professor Lindsay

until Professor Hähnel’s return in mid February 1983. The Management Committee

consisted of Dr D.L. Gurry, Mr D. Mazanetz (a professional accountant), Mr K. Sotzik

and Dr W. Winterton. A newly elected Committee took over after the Annual General

Meeting on 16 March 1983.

During these difficulties it became apparent that the Society had to be

incorporated and its constitution changed. This would safeguard teachers and members

alike. It took many months and some reorganization until the ill feeling subsided.


Tempers ran high and even a lawyer had to be employed to stem defamatory press

statements. In the end everything calmed down and only those members who lived

through it remember the excitement it caused.

In 1982, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany bestowed the

“Verdienstkreuz am Bande” to the President of the Society, Professor Roland Hähnel in

appreciation of the work for the Goethe Society. The Ceremony took place in Heidelberg,

Germany. This honour was, for the hard working members of the committee, a great joy

and satisfaction and a sign that their initiative was appreciated.

In 1984, Dr Joachim Wolff died suddenly and the Goethe Society’s library, which

had been housed in Dr Wolff’s office, was moved to the Ada Purnell Library at St

Columba College. And in the years following, the students’ common room at that

College became more and more like “home” for the Goethe Society for their monthly

meetings, due to the ever increasing cost of hiring a room at the UWA.

“Nachruf Dr Joachim Wolff

Dr Wolff starb plötzlich am 15.6.1984. Er war nicht nur ein langjähriges Mitglied der Goethe Gesellschaft, sondern beteiligte sich auch aktiv als Sekretär und Komitee-Mitglied für viele Jahre. Sein Zimmer in der Universität war das Heim der Bücherei der Goethe Gesellschaft. Jeder in der Goethe Gesellschaft kannte Dr Wolff gut, und er war bei allen beliebt; und doch wusste niemand wirklich wer sich hinter der zurückgezogenen und beinahe schüchternen Person verbag. Er schien in das falsche Zeitalter hineingeboren zu sein und – durch Umstände bedingt – im falschen Erteil zu leben. Joe Wolff war ein feinfühlender Europäer mit einer poetischen Natur und wenig praktischem Talent. Wir werden alle seine ruhige Art vermissen und die immer sehr interessanten Diskussionen mit ihm.”

In 1987 the membership fee rose to $25 for couples, $15 for singles and $10 for students.

In 1989 the Goethe Society had ninety members and the German classes were taught by

twelve teachers with 160 children and seventy adults enrolled.

In March 1990, a Language Coordinator for German came to Western Australia.

Mr (Studienrat) Joachim Groch worked in the Ministry of Education until July 1996. He

was paid by the German Government. Mr Groch gave his invaluable services not only to

the teaching side of the Society, but became an enthusiastic and well-liked committee

member as well. In addition to this, he lectured on the up-to-date German concerns and

introduced German visitors to the Society.

The German Consulate in Perth was always most helpful and the different Vice-

Consuls became active supporters of the Goethe Society. The Society bestowed Honorary


Membership to three members, solicitor, Dr K.P. Rogers, who gave his services free of

charge to the Society on many occasions, Professor Lindsay and Mr Schenk.

In the eighties and nineties, the Society continued to enjoy a varied and interesting

programme of lectures and film shows; an illustrated lecture on Ludwig Kirchner was

given by the Assistant Curator of Painting, Mrs C. Johannes, in the Art Gallery of WA.

A forum was held on “The Federal Republic of Germany Today” with Mr H.

Badorrek, former Chancellor at the German Consulate General in Melbourne, Mr K.

Kayser, then West German Vice-Consul in Perth and Professor Hähnel. In addition, Dr

H. Beichert gave a talk entitled “2000 Jahre Mainz and 200 Jahre WA”.

In a joint presentation by the Goethe Institute, München, the Goethe Society of

WA and the Faculty of Arts, UWA, Professor H. Obermann of Tübingen, Germany,

spoke on “Luther between the Middle Ages and Modern Times”, in commemoration of

the 500th anniversary of the birth of the German reformer. Some years later, Professor J.

Schröder from the same distinguished University spoke of Nietzsche.

A great variety of interesting subjects were discussed in the Society. Rainer Erler

about his work as a writer, producer and director of films, Professor Hähnel: “Hormone

und Krebs”, Dr Gurry: “Cabbages and Kings – from Bavaria to Westphalia, Professor

E.S. Firchow (University of Minnesota): “Die Deutsch-Amerikaner”, Mr F. Oswald: “30

Years of the Federal Republic of Germany in the works of Martin Walser”. An evening

of poetry readings, where every member brought his or her favorite poem, was very much

enjoyed by all present. A special viewing of the training ship “Gorch Fock” was

organized for members interested in sailing ships. The Society took to the water for its

Christmas function and what was meant to be a day-trip to the Sandalford vineyards on

MV Vlaming. What it turned into was a real adventure on Perth’s waters.

After a most enjoyable cruise with food and wine and song, both motors stalled

on the homeward trip and the boat had to be rescued. In the first attempt the rope snapped

and this partly entertaining, partly scary, experience was afterwards retold in a humorous

poem by Dr W. Winterton:


Eine Flussfahrt die is lustig Ja es g’schicht12 scho allerhand Teils am Wasser, teils am Land So will ich euch gern berichten Wahrheitstreu, nicht Schmäh1 erdichten Wie die Gesellschaft vom Herrn Goethe Kam in starke Wassernöte Schön und sauber war das Schiff, Das zur Weinachtsfeier rief, Schenk und Schenkelin war’n do Enkelkinder, Mutter, Klo Tisch und Pritschen2, Ofen, Madeln Schlankes G’stell3 und fesche Wadeln4 und zum Saufen Kracherlwasser5 Wahrhaft Freund – ein Fest fur Prasser. So beim schönen Wellengang fuhr’n wir hin 2 Stunden lang Sonne, Wasser Freunderln6 Schwan Hört sich sehr erhebend an. Wir pausierten, 1 – 2 – 3 fängt schon an die Fresserei Wenn der Innermann befriedigt Er zum Singen sich erniedrigt Albany der Künstler sand Dessen Laute heiter klang So wir alle – weinerhoben Ließen die Tenöre toben.

Heimwärts wandte sich das Boot Wenn es lief in schwere not Plötzlich war es peinlich stumm Und man fuhr im Kreis herum Ohne Werkel7- ohne Rad Wer verbrach die Missetat? Plötzlich sah ich ein Melee Jeder wollte auf’s W.C. Nur die Damen, die war’n platt Keine ein Bikini hat. Hilfe wurde uns versprochen Ein Schinakel8 kam gekrochen ausgerüstet mit Spagat9 Was doch jeder sailor hat Mit Gewalt und Kraft und Ruck Blieben wir noch länger z’ruck Der Spagat, no ebschowissen1 ist natürlich gleich zerrissen Wieder kam de Rettung an, Mit ein Banderl kam er dran Und am Rettungsboot – wie schön Konnte man ein Blonderl seh’n Stark an Körper, stark an Geist, Die uns rasch die Rettung weist Es gelang – wir wur’n gezaht.11 Freudentränen – Rettungs tat Bei der Brauerei vorbei Unters Brückerl, 1 – 2 – 3 Und wir sind im Heimatland

Terra firma - wohl bekannt Alle worden wir gerettet Und wenn- er jetzt sich einer frettet Denkend schon an’s nächste Jahr Ja, da wird mir eines klar – Nächstes Jahr, da fahr ich wieder Esse, Trinke, singe Lieder Doch versichert muß ich sein Sonst steig’ in kein Boot ich ein.

Dr Walter Winterton

Fremdworte fur Ausländer 1. erfundene Unwahrheit 2. harte Unterlage (militärisch) 3. Figur, besonders weiblich 4. Unterschenkel 5. Fruchtsaft 6. lokaler Fluß (der Rhein von WA) 7. Engine /Motor 8. kleines Boot/Fahn 9. Bindfaden 10. unübersetzbar 11. gezogen 12. geschieht/passiert

Reunification With the dramatic changes in Germany and the fall of the infamous Wall, the

reunification became a frequent topic for the monthly meetings: for example, Professor

H. Ruthrof spoke on “Wie gross ist das Loch in der Mauer?”; J. Groch on “Bonn, Berlin,

Frankfurt. Die Frage der zukünftigen Hauptstadt Deutschlands”; Immi Wachter from the

Goethe Institute on “Deutsch, Deutsche Ereignisse – Informationsabend”; and Klaus

Wilhelm, reporter for the ZDF in Leipzig, gave a talk complimented by video clips on

“Situation in den 5 neuen Bundesländern”.

The most famous speaker on this subject was the modern writer, Günther Kunert,

who had lived in the communist part of Germany until 1979. His visit was sponsored by

the Goethe Institute and he talked on, “ Der Sturz vom Sockel, schreiben in einem

geeinten Deutschland.” The lecture room at the University was filled to overflowing for


this visitor and the interest on the subject was so great that some listeners came from up

to 200km away to hear him speak.

Recognition On 19 March 1997, the Bundespräsident of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Roman

Herzog, bestowed on the President of the Goethe Society, Prof Roland Hähnel, the

Verdienstkreuz 1. Klasse, in Anerkennung der um

Volk und Stadt erworbeben Besonderen Verdienste

(in recognition of distinguished services for the

Nation) (see left). The Ceremony took place on 5

June 1997 at the private Perth home of the German

Vice-Consul, Mr H. Holzheuer, in the presence of

the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of

Germany, Mr A. Blanckensee, Committee

members of the Goethe Society, family members and invited guests.

The Goethe Society continued to enrich Perth’s cultural life and the hard working

committee organized many more interesting evenings, securing speakers from near and

far for topics such as: “China” by Dr Gurry; “Erich Maria Remarque” by Prof. Boak

(French Dept, UWA; “Gegenwartssprache” by Dieter Zimmer (Goethe Institute);

“Belletristische Neuerscheinungen in Deutschland” by Dr P Morgan; “Von den

Angelsachsen zu den Bundessachsen” by J Groch; “Maltechniken” by Janda Gooding,

Curator at the Art Gallery; “Der hässliche Deutsche-von Urteilen und Vorurteilen anderer

Volker” by Gerrit Bretzler (Goethe Institute); “Illustrierte Flugblatter aus der Zeit der

Glaubenskriege im 16./17 Jahrhundert” by Dr Beate Ratai from Munich, Germany; “Four

Graves in Dalwallinu, about the life of Gustav Liebe, architect and builder” by Stan

Gervas; “Der schwebende Mensch in der Kunst” by Bernd Neuhaus (Germany); Prof

Pommerin, who teaches modern history at the University of Dresden, Germany presented

a lecture, sponsored by the Goethe Institute and entitled “Remarks on the Cultural Life in

Germany from 1949-99”. A very special event was a performance of excerpts from plays

by Goethe, presented enthusiastically by the German students of UWA under the


direction of Dr Alexandra Ludewig. It took place in the Eileen Joyce Lecture Theatre at

the University.

During July and August 1999 the Goethe Society celebrated the 250th anniversary of the

birth of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe with two special events. The first was a

symposium, organized around the time of an international conference in Sydney, and

made possible only because two of the speakers from Germany were good enough to fly

home via Perth after their conference and speak to our Society. To cover their costs in

Perth, the German Consulate agreed to donate some funds. It was a splendid occasion,

attended by most members and many guests and continued over dinner in a nearby hotel.

The second 250th Birthday celebration was a joint Goethe-Lieder Abend with the Lieder

Society of Western Australia. This was generously sponsored by the WA-German

Business Association, and therefore enabled the organizers to invite their members and

guests free of charge to this very special event. Between 80 and 100 people enjoyed a

wonderful evening of superb singing in the most perfect setting.


1999 and Beyond: Note from the Author This short history was written for the 50th anniversary of the Goethe Society. It will be

presented to the members and guests of the Goethe Society at its 50th Birthday

celebration, which takes place in a private function room, “The Tasman” of the Hotel

Rendezvous, Observation City, Scarborough, on 5 December, 1999.

In fact, Dr Wolff had already started to pencil down some historical details when

he died in 1984. Now I felt that we could wait no longer or no one would be left to

remember the early years. And how true was my concern, since it proved to be very

difficult to even secure a photo of the founder of the Goethe Society, Dr Hans Pollak. The

University’s archives did not have one. Only with the help of a former student

representative during Dr Pollak’s time as president, Dr B. Willis, was I able to follow a

lead from one former friend to another, until I held the one you see in this history in my

hand. Very few records survived from the first 17 years and there are big gaps between

1949 and 1966, which I was unable to fill.

I am sure some of the members will remember certain events differently or miss

others. I realize that this short history is only an overview of the first 50 years of the

Goethe Society, its presidents, their visions, their hard working committee members and

some of the topics presented or discussed. It was fascinating to go back in time with the

help of old minutes and newsletters, but they are by no means without gaps and often

very short and “reading between the lines”, is obviously subjective. I hope you will enjoy

reading it as much as I did putting it together and forgive me for all omissions and

mistakes that crept in.

I hope the Goethe Society will continue to enrich Perth’s cultural life and I wish it

every success in future years.

Erika Hähnel


Appendix

Office Bearers of the Australian Goethe Society, WA Branch

Year President Vice President

Secretary Treasurer

Executive Committee

1949 Prof. A. Fox

Prof. A. Edwards Dr H. Pollack Mr M. Benn

Mrs E.M. Watson Mr E.D. Drok Prof. W. Murdoch (Patron)

1951 Dr H. Pollak Prof. A. Edwards

Mrs E.M. Watson Mr O. Taussic

Rev. F. Molyneux Mr B. Willis (student representative)

1956 Mr M. Benn Ms S. Murray (student representative) Mr B. Visser (student representative)

1957 Mr M. Benn Mr J. Wolff (librarian, newsletter editor, founder of conversation group)

1966 Prof. G. Schulz Mr B. Willis

Dr J. Wolff Mr H. Simmons

Mrs A. Freeden Mrs H. Jones Mrs A. Molyneux Ms J. Tredwell Dr I. McGill Dr H. Briner (Hon. Auditor) Mr James, Consul (Patron)


Dr J. Wolff Ms J. Tredwell

Mrs A. Freeden Mrs H. Jones Mrs A. Molyneux Dr I. McGill Dr H. Briner (Hon. Auditor)


Dr J. Wolff Ms C.A. Jüngling

Dr I. McGill Mrs A. Molyneux Mrs A. Freeden Ms E. Sedgwick, Dr H. Briner (Hon. Auditor)

1969 Dr I. McGill Mr B. Willis

Dr J. Wolff Ms C.A. Jüngling

Mr R. Dettman Mrs A. Molyneux Ms E. Sedgwick Dr H. Briner (Hon. Auditor)

1970 Dr I. McGill Dr H. Briner

Ms J. Cadman Ms C.A. Jüngling

Mr R. Dettman Mr W. Leonhardt Prof. M. Lindsay Ms M. Luke Dr H. Pollak (Patron)


Mrs A. Molyneux Ms E. Sedgwick

1971 Prof. M. Lindsay Dr H. Briner

Ms E. Sedgwick Ms C.A. Jüngling

Mr R. Dettman Mr H. Kraefft Mr W. Leonhardt Mrs E. Leslie Ms M. Luke Mrs A. Molyneux Dr H. Pollak (Patron) Mrs A. Veth Ms B. Frances (Hon. Auditor)


Mrs M.E. Allason Ms C.A. Jüngling

Mr W. Leonhardt Ms M. Luke Mr V. Mattar Mrs A. Veth Ms E. Sedgewick Mrs A. Molyneux, Dr J. Wolff (Librarian)


Mrs M.E. Allason Ms C.A. Jüngling

Mrs A. Molyneux Dr J. Murray-Jones Mr W. Leonhardt Mr F. Such Mrs A. Veth Ms E. Sedgwick

1974 Prof. M. Lindsay Ms M. Luke

Ms K. Forsyth Mr C.A. Jüngling

Mr Blom Mrs C. Briner Mr F. Such Ms B. Frances Ms E. Sedgwick Mrs A. Veth Ms B. Frances (Hon. Auditor)

1975 Prof. R. Hähnel Mr A. Veth

Dr J. Wolff Mrs Ittershagen

Mrs C. Briner Mrs Glassberg Mr G. Seiler Mrs Neumann Ms E. Sedgwick Mr F. Such Prof. M. Lindsay (Patron)

1976 Prof R. Hähnel Mr G. Seiler

Mr A. Veth Mrs Ittershagen

Mrs C. Briner Mrs Glassberg Mr F. Such Mrs Neumann Ms E. Sedgwick Dr Wolff Mr E. Schenk

1977 Prof. R. Hähnel Mr A. Veth Mrs G. Birch


Mr G. Seiler

Mr E. Schenk Mrs C. Briner Mr R. Müller Dr J. Wolff Mrs C. Schenk (Newsletter)

1978-1979

Prof. R. Hähnel Mr A. Veth

Mr G. Seiler Mr E. Schenk

Mrs G. Birch Mr Müller Mrs S. Strobel Mrs M. Cooke Dr J. Wolff Mrs C. Briner (Librarian)

1980 Prof R. Hähnel Mrs S. Strobel

Dr J. Emberson Mr E. Schenk

Mr J. Breckling Mr N. Kirschbaum Mr R. Müller Mr N. Porteous

1981 Prof. R. Hähnel Mrs S. Strobel (school co-ordinator)


Mr Breckling Mr K Kayser (co-opt) Mr Kirschbaum Mr N. Porteous, Dr J. Wolff Mrs C. Schenk (newsletter)

1982 Prof. R. Hähnel Mrs S. Strobel


Mr Breckling Dr Wolff Mr Kayser Ms H. Immonen Ms N. Elisher

1983 Interim Committee of Management for the first three months Prof M. Lindsay Dr J. Emberson

Mr E. Schenk Mr D. Mazanetz Mr N. Sotzik Dr W. Winterton Dr D. Gurry

1983 Prof. R. Hähnel Prof M. Lindsay


Mr D. Mazanetz Mr N. Sotzik Ms T. Knuckey Mrs A. Mills Mrs G. Birch (Language Co-ordinator) Mr K. Kayser (Co-opted)

1984-1985

Prof. R. Hähnel Prof. M. Lindsay

Dr M. Löosei Mr E. Schenk

Ms T. Knuckey Mrs A. Mills Mr D. Mazanetz Mr K. Sotzik Mrs Menniken (Newsletter)

1986 Prof R. Hähnel Mr Sotzik/Mr Schenk

Ms T. Knuckey Mr D. Mazanetz

Mrs R. Chandler Mrs G. Bobhardt Mrs U. Hoffmann Mrs C. Schenk (Library)


Mrs E. Stubbs (Newsletter)

1987 Prof. R. Hähnel Mr E. Schenk

Ms T. Knuckey Mr D. Mazanetz

Mrs R. Chandler Mrs G. Bobhardt Mrs R. Wyjngaarden Mrs Hecht Mrs G. Birch (German Classes) Mrs Schenk (Librarian) Mrs Stubbs (Newsletter)


Mrs G. Bobhardt Mr D. Mazanetz

Dr R. Alter Mrs R. Chandler Mrs Hecht Mrs R. Wynjngaarden Mrs Schenk (Librarian) Mrs Stubbs (Newsletter)


Mrs G. Bobhardt Mrs E. Sklenka

Mrs B. Klebba Dr P. Morgan Mrs S. Hecht Mrs G. Birch Mrs J. Jackson Dr Alter

1990-1991

Prof. R. Hähnel Mr E. Schenk


Mrs S. Hecht Dr P. Morgan Mrs H. Volz Mrs M. Killan (Newsl) Mrs U. Purwien (co-opted, Childrens’ Classes) Mrs G. Birch (Ministry of Education) Mr J. Groch (Language Advisor)

1992 Prof. R. Hähnel Mrs S. Hecht


Dr I. Bethke Mrs H. Volz Dr P. Morgan Mr J. Groch Mrs U. Purwien (co-opted) Mrs Birch (co-opted)

1993-1994

Prof. R. Hähnel Mrs S. Hecht

Mrs G. Marchant Mrs E. Sklenka

Dr I. Bethke Mr J. Groch Mrs Volz Ms J. Vornehm Mrs F. Chambers Mrs G. Birch (co-opted) Mrs U. Purwien

1995 Prof. R. Hähnel Mrs S. Hecht

Mrs H. Volz Mrs E. Sklenka

Mrs F. Chambers Dr I. Bethke Mr J. Groch (Public Relations) Mrs Klebba (Newsletter) Mrs G. Birch (co-opted)


Mrs U. Purwien

1996 changes to committee only Dr I. Bethke (resigned) Ms S. Haywood (appointed)

1997 changes to committee only Mr Groch (resigned) Mrs Chambers (resigned) Mr M. Hess (appointed)

1998 changes to committee only Ms S. Haywood (resigned) Dr A. Ludewig (appointed) Mrs I. Anderton (appointed) Mrs F. Chambers (co-opted)

1999 changes to committee only Mrs F. Chambers (resigned)

the goethe society wa 1949-1999

Documents